Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer
(Stacey Holbrook/FAN: Touring the inside of Horner Mill are [from left] Mike Baker, Eaton County Land Bank Authority committee member, Congressman Tom Barrett, and Dairus Reynnet, chair of the Land Bank.)
For 188 years, Eaton Rapids has been the home of Horner Mill. The long-standing icon is now abandoned and has become a dangerous place that could have physical or environmental risks for the community.
Horner Mill was well known for the processing of wool and producing military textiles throughout both World Wars. In later years some of the space had been rented out for small businesses up until the time the warehouse became too dangerous for occupancy.
In November 2025, the Eaton County Land Bank Authority acquired this historic site. As the community passes this now lifeless site on the north of town, questions flow about its future.
Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) provided some answers during his visit and tour of the site on May 8.
There, he met with Eaton County Treasurer Dairus Reynnet, who is also chair of the Land Bank Authority, Eaton Rapids Mayor Pam Colestock, and members of the Eaton County Land Bank Authority.
The Eaton County Land Bank acquired the abandoned property last October, and Barrett secured $1 million to help demolish the blighted structures and allow opportunity for future development, part of the $146 million total Barrett has delivered for infrastructure, public safety, research, and other projects in mid-Michigan, according to his office.
“The deteriorating Horner Mill has been a prominent eyesore at the gateway of downtown Eaton Rapids,” said Reynnet. “We are very grateful to Congressman Barrett for delivering critical resources to help us clear the property for new development. Instead of the deteriorating buildings that attract frequent vandalism and detract from the surrounding neighborhood, the people of Eaton Rapids are looking forward to seeing a clean, safe property that will make the community an even better place to live.”
The full tour lasted about half an hour. Congressman Barrett said, it is his goal “to help the communities he serves, to improve the areas of depletion and environmental safety risks with the campaign to secure federal funds to strengthen public safety and improve infrastructure.”
The group toured three floors of the Horner Mill main building; rubble cluttered the floors. Congressman Barrett said there will need to be consultations with environmental specialists to ensure the “community will be protected from any possible safety risks such as lead base paints and asbestos contaminates. It will all be a long process; however, we are moving in the right direction to improve the area and address safety threats in this community.”
When the approval is received for demolition, the first building will be the warehouse on the corner of Main St. (M50) and Canal (M99).
Mayor Colestock said, “When this building is removed, anyone coming into Eaton Rapids will have a wonderful view from this corner through the town that will be more inviting.”
